Phys.org news tagged with:dna replicationhttp://phys.org/
en-usPhys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine.Bacteria use DNA replication to time key decisionIn spore-forming bacteria, chromosomal locations of genes can couple the DNA replication cycle to critical, once-in-a-lifetime decisions about whether to reproduce or form spores. The new finding by Rice University bioengineers and colleagues at the University of California at San Diego and the University of Houston appears this week in the journal Cell.http://phys.org/news/2015-07-bacteria-dna-replication-key-decision.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:43:06 EDTnews355682569Supercomputers surprisingly link DNA crosses to cancerSupercomputers have helped scientists find a surprising link between cross-shaped (or cruciform) pieces of DNA and human cancer, according to a study at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).http://phys.org/news/2015-06-supercomputers-surprisingly-link-dna-cancer.html
Cancer Cell & Microbiology Fri, 19 Jun 2015 12:23:20 EDTnews353935386Forks colliding: How DNA breaks during re-replicationLeveraging a novel system designed to examine the double-strand DNA breaks that occur as a consequence of gene amplification during DNA replication, Whitehead Institute scientists are bringing new clarity to the causes of such genomic damage. Moreover, because errors arising during DNA replication and gene amplification result in chromosomal abnormalities often found in malignant cells, these new findings may bolster our understandings of certain drivers of cancer progression.http://phys.org/news/2015-06-forks-colliding-dna-re-replication.html
Biotechnology Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:00:09 EDTnews352627318Self-replicating nanostructures made from DNA(Phys.org)—Is it possible to engineer self-replicating nanomaterials? It could be if we borrow nature's building blocks. DNA is a self-replicating molecule where its component parts, nucleotides, have specific chemical interactions that allow for the design of self-assembled structures. In biological systems, DNA replicates with the aid of proteins. However, Junghoon Kim, Junwye Lee, Shogo Hamada, Satoshi Murata, and Sung Ha Park of Sungkyunkwan University and Tohoku University have designed a controllable self-replicating system that does not require proteins. Their work appears in Nature Nanotechnology.http://phys.org/news/2015-05-self-replicating-nanostructures-dna.html
Bio & Medicine Thu, 28 May 2015 09:10:02 EDTnews352007343Sequencing technique unveiling the realm of viral mutationsResearchers at A*STAR have devised a sequencing technique that can track specific viral variants produced when viruses such as hepatitis B rapidly mutate within individual patients. The breakthrough allows an unprecedented view of evolving virus population structures, and could help in the creation of new drugs that prevent the development of strains resistant to drugs and immune responses.http://phys.org/news/2015-05-sequencing-technique-unveiling-realm-viral.html
Biotechnology Wed, 13 May 2015 09:03:26 EDTnews350726570Scientists identify protein profiles of DNA repairDuring each cell division, more than 3.3 billion base pairs of genomic DNA have to be duplicated and segregated accurately to daughter cells. But what happens when the DNA template is damaged in such a way that the replication machinery gets stuck? To answer this question, scientists in the team of Matthias Mann at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Biochemistry in Martinsried near Munich, with colleagues in Copenhagen and at Harvard, have analyzed how the protein composition of the DNA replication machinery changes upon encountering damaged DNA.http://phys.org/news/2015-05-scientists-protein-profiles-dna.html
Biotechnology Mon, 04 May 2015 13:21:44 EDTnews349964496Bacteriophages deliver proteins required for replication of their own genomesLMU researchers demonstrate for the first time that bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) carry genetic instructions for proteins that mediate the transport of their DNA to specialized replication sites in the host cell.http://phys.org/news/2015-04-bacteriophages-proteins-required-replication-genomes.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 30 Apr 2015 08:47:01 EDTnews349602403High fidelity: Researcher finds keys to genome integrityMaintaining the stability and the correct sequence of our genetic information is vital to the accurate transmission of our genetic code. However, in the course of replicating, our DNA frequently runs into roadblocks, arising from both internal and external sources, that threaten the fidelity of our genetic information. The accurate processing of these roadblocks is paramount to genome integrity. Defects in this process can lead to cancer, genetic problems and premature aging.http://phys.org/news/2015-04-high-fidelity-keys-genome.html
Cell & Microbiology Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:48:17 EDTnews348227285How bacterial cell recognizes its own DNAIt may come as a bit of a surprise to learn that bacteria have an immune system - in their case to fight off invasive viruses called phages. And like any immune system - from single-celled to human - the first challenge of the bacterial immune system is to detect the difference between "foreign" and "self." This is far from simple, as viruses, bacteria and all other living things are made of DNA and proteins. A group of researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Tel Aviv University has now revealed exactly how bacteria do this. Their results were published online today in Nature.http://phys.org/news/2015-04-bacterial-cell-dna.html
Cell & Microbiology Mon, 13 Apr 2015 11:40:54 EDTnews348144044Improved understanding of protein complex offers insight into DNA replication initiation mechanism basicsA clearer understanding of the origin recognition complex (ORC) - a protein complex that directs DNA replication - through its crystal structure offers new insight into fundamental mechanisms of DNA replication initiation. This will also provide insight into how ORC may be compromised in a subset of patients with Meier-Gorlin syndrome, a form of dwarfism in humans.http://phys.org/news/2015-04-protein-complex-insight-dna-replication.html
Cell & Microbiology Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:32:25 EDTnews347718737Researchers clarify how DNA damage signaling worksThe DNA molecule is chemically unstable, giving rise to DNA lesions of various kinds. That is why DNA damage detection, signaling and repair, collectively known as the DNA damage response, are needed. The DNA damage response is immensely important, for example, for ensuring the highest possible quality of DNA before replication prior to cell division. If the damaged DNA is replicated, the risk of cancer and other diseases increases significantly due to mutations. All in all this may lead to the death of a cell itself.http://phys.org/news/2015-03-dna.html
Cell & Microbiology Tue, 31 Mar 2015 06:56:44 EDTnews347003768Letting go of the (genetic) apron stringsA new study from Princeton University sheds light on the handing over of genetic control from mother to offspring early in development. Learning how organisms manage this transition could help researchers understand larger questions about how embryos regulate cell division and differentiation into new types of cells.http://phys.org/news/2015-03-genetic-apron.html
Cell & Microbiology Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:36:38 EDTnews346088062'Quantum jitters' could form basis of evolution, cancerThe molecular machines that copy DNA in a living cell are amazingly fast and accurate at pairing up the correct bases—G with C and A with T—into each new double helix.http://phys.org/news/2015-03-quantum-jitters-basis-evolution-cancer.html
Biochemistry Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:00:23 EDTnews345299449Genetic switch regulates transcription and replication in human mitochondria(Phys.org)—The majority of the human genome is located within the nucleus. However, there is a small but important portion of DNA located within the mitochondria. This mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has received much attention in the last few years for tracing ancestry, mitochondrial disease, and three-parent IVF. Mitochondrial DNA's unique properties mean that it has different regulatory mechanisms. A new study by Dmitry Temiakov from Rowan University reports for the first time evidence that mtDNA transcription and replication are regulated by a molecular switch that may provide insight into developmental processes such as embryogenesis and spermatogenesis. The results are reported in Science.http://phys.org/news/2015-02-genetic-transcription-replication-human-mitochondria.html
Cell & Microbiology Mon, 02 Feb 2015 08:10:03 EDTnews342083288Tracking DNA helps scientists trace origins of genetic errorsScientists have shed light on how naturally occurring mutations can be introduced into our DNA.http://phys.org/news/2015-01-tracking-dna-scientists-genetic-errors.html
Biotechnology Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:30:19 EDTnews341573412Ribose-seq identifies and locates ribonucleotides in genomic DNARibonucleotides, units of RNA, can become embedded in genomic DNA during processes such as DNA replication and repair, affecting the stability of the genome by contributing to DNA fragility and mutability. Scientists have known about the presence of ribonucleotides in DNA, but until now had not been able to determine exactly what they are and where they are located in the DNA sequences.http://phys.org/news/2015-01-ribose-seq-ribonucleotides-genomic-dna.html
Biotechnology Mon, 26 Jan 2015 11:00:04 EDTnews341482709Computer model enables design of complex DNA shapesMIT biological engineers have created a new computer model that allows them to design the most complex three-dimensional DNA shapes ever produced, including rings, bowls, and geometric structures such as icosahedrons that resemble viral particles.http://phys.org/news/2014-12-enables-complex-dna.html
Biotechnology Wed, 03 Dec 2014 05:00:05 EDTnews336766445Scientists map mouse genome's 'mission control centers'When the mouse and human genomes were catalogued more than 10 years ago, an international team of researchers set out to understand and compare the "mission control centers" found throughout the large stretches of DNA flanking the genes. Their long-awaited report, published Nov. 19 in the journal Nature suggests why studies in mice cannot always be reproduced in humans. Importantly, the scientists say, their work also sheds light on the function of DNA's regulatory regions, which are often to blame for common chronic human diseases.http://phys.org/news/2014-11-scientists-mouse-genome-mission-centers.html
Biotechnology Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:19:05 EDTnews335625535Marching to our own sequence: Study finds DNA replication timing varies among peopleImagine being asked to copy a library of books. Doing it yourself would take forever. You'd probably call some friends and come up with a plan to divide and conquer.http://phys.org/news/2014-11-sequence-dna-replication-varies-people.html
Biotechnology Thu, 13 Nov 2014 12:00:05 EDTnews335082234Blocking a fork in the road to DNA replicationA team of Whitehead Institute scientists has discovered the surprising manner in which an enigmatic protein known as SUUR acts to control gene copy number during DNA replication. It's a finding that could shed new light on the formation of fragile genomic regions associated with chromosomal abnormalities.http://phys.org/news/2014-10-blocking-fork-road-dna-replication.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:00:02 EDTnews333888817Bacteria are hard-wired for survival, E. coli study suggestsSome bacteria are able to thrive even when under continued attack, scientists have found, in a development that may help explain how our immune systems can't always prevent infections.http://phys.org/news/2014-10-bacteria-hard-wired-survival-coli.html
Cell & Microbiology Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:00:01 EDTnews333799024How a molecular Superman protects the genome from damageHow many times have we seen Superman swoop down from the heavens and rescue a would-be victim from a rapidly oncoming train?http://phys.org/news/2014-10-molecular-superman-genome.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:10:17 EDTnews332694602Genesis of the enzyme that divides the DNA double helix during cell replicationThe proteins that drive DNA replication—the force behind cellular growth and reproduction—are some of the most complex machines on Earth. The multistep replication process involves hundreds of atomic-scale moving parts that rapidly interact and transform. Mapping that dense molecular machinery is one of the most promising and challenging frontiers in medicine and biology.http://phys.org/news/2014-10-genesis-enzyme-dna-helix-cell.html
Cell & Microbiology Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:00:02 EDTnews332587403Molecular gate that could keep cancer cells locked upIn a study published today in Genes & Development, Dr Christian Speck from the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre's DNA Replication group, in collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), New York, reveal the intricate mechanisms involved in the enzyme that governs DNA duplication during cell division. By developing a sophisticated system using synthetic, chemical and structural biology approaches, the study reveals how a key enzyme involved in duplicating genetic information embraces DNA through a gated system, which opens up at precise positions allowing for a highly regulated replication process. This work enhances current understanding of an essential biological process and suggests a route for stopping cell division in disease such as cancer.http://phys.org/news/2014-07-molecular-gate-cancer-cells.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:20:01 EDTnews326034490Research explores processes behind cell divisionA new theoretical framework outlined by a Harvard scientist could help solve the mystery of how bacterial cells coordinate processes that are critical to cellular division, such as DNA replication, and how bacteria know when to divide.http://phys.org/news/2014-07-explores-cell-division.html
Cell & Microbiology Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:14:41 EDTnews324630869Rockefeller scientists first to reconstitute the DNA 'replication fork'When a cell divides, it must first make a copy of its DNA, a fundamental step in the life cycle of cells that occurs billions of times a day in the human body. While scientists have had an idea of the molecular tools that cells use to replicate DNA—the enzymes that unzip the double-stranded DNA and create "daughter" copies—they did not have a clear picture of how the process works.http://phys.org/news/2014-07-rockefeller-scientists-reconstitute-dna-replication.html
Cell & Microbiology Wed, 09 Jul 2014 09:06:33 EDTnews324115579New way found by which metabolism is linked to the regulation of DNAA research team at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta have discovered a new way by which metabolism is linked to the regulation of DNA, the basis of our genetic code. The findings may have important implications for the understanding of many common diseases, including cancer.http://phys.org/news/2014-07-metabolism-linked-dna.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:05:15 EDTnews323633104Cellular defence against fatal associations between proteins and DNADNA—the carrier of genetic information—is constantly threatened by damage originating from exogenous and endogenous sources. Very special DNA lesions are DNA-protein crosslinks - proteins covalently linked to DNA. So far hardly anything was known about repair mechanisms specifically targeting DNA-protein crosslinks. Stefan Jentsch's team at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany, now discovered a protease that is able to chop down the protein component of DNA-protein crosslinks, thereby enabling organisms to copy their genetic information even if crosslinks arise. The results of this study have major implications for the understanding of genome integrity and cancer development.http://phys.org/news/2014-07-cellular-defence-fatal-associations-proteins.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 03 Jul 2014 13:28:25 EDTnews323612861The multiplication of cells under close observationA group from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, discovers a key factor that curbs the undesirable triggering of DNA replication.http://phys.org/news/2014-03-multiplication-cells.html
Cell & Microbiology Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:51:37 EDTnews315143486Untying DNA knotsStructural biologists at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research have resolved the 3D structure of a protein machine that plays an important part in the maintenance of genomic stability. They have revealed how one unit of the machine, RMI, modulates the workings of an enzyme, topoisomerase IIIα (TopIIIα), thus allowing double Holliday junctions – key intermediates in DNA repair – to be disentangled. Their results have been published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.http://phys.org/news/2014-02-untying-dna.html
Cell & Microbiology Fri, 21 Feb 2014 07:31:04 EDTnews312190253